Tester: New Shiloh Road means more jobs, more business for Billings

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement on dedication of the newly opened Shiloh Road in Billings:

“Here’s something folks in Billings know well: the new Shiloh road has never been just about some gravel and cement.  This project is about jobs.  It’s about bigger, better opportunities for small business.  It’s about building a road into the future of this community, so Billings can continue to grow and thrive.

“To the folks on the ground who’ve fought for this new Shiloh Road for more than decade, thank you.  You saw the potential, and you never gave up.  And the future of Billings is now stronger, thanks to your hard work and dedication.

“And, to those folks who’ve rejected investments in Billings’ physical infrastructure, or claimed the Recovery Act hasn’t created jobs or new opportunities—I challenge them to come drive this stretch of road, and see how business owners and families in Billings will benefit from the economic opportunities the new Shiloh Road has opened up.

“Despite a lot of ugly politics back in D.C., one thing Montanans can count on is that I’ll keep fighting for them—for jobs, for opportunities for our small businesses, and for investments in the future of our great state.”

Tester had planned to attend today’s ceremony in person until votes in the Senate forced a change in plans.

The Shiloh Road improvement project was paid for through a combination of congressionally directed appropriations and resources from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, both of which Tester supported and secured.  It is estimated that $750 million in economic activity is being planned in connection with the road improvement project.